Did this hike a little too close to dusk. Passed plenty of people who said they had not seen much in the way of wildlife, but our experience was much different. We saw a herd of elk running through a nearby meadow and a badger scuttling across the trail right in front of us. We did not make it to the ponds, however, because we came across a brown bear about 2.5 miles in. It was on the trail 25 yards ahead of us before we ever saw it, and we did not have bear spray. We immediately hiked up the ridge to distance ourselves, and luckily the ol' bear continued on its way without giving us a second thought. We turned around and went back out the way we came. Fantastic scenery and wildlife, but be smarter than I was!
(1) Do not start a hike at dusk. (2) Carry bear spray. (3) Hike in a group of three or more. (4) Follow any other guidelines provided by park personnel.

I am totally confused by comments here and elsewhere that state this trail passes the Howard Eaton Trail. Could someone please explain how that is possible? Or what they are talking about?
The Howard Eaton trail that I know goes south from Old Faithful to the Lonestar geyser/Shoshone Geyser Basin trail.

Do the full trail!!!! We saw so many people turn around at the falls but we kept going to the top of the mountain and it was SOOO worth it. Probably my favorite hike we did in Yellowstone! The view of all the geysers steaming in September was like something I’ll probably never see again. Amazinggggg!!!!

Hiked to the prismatic overlook, and then finished on this trail. Totaled about 10 miles. The imperial geyser was the highlight of the trip. Hike was pretty boring compared to other hikes, but was very easy. Worth seeing the geyser over the falls or prismatic.

Hiked this trail to the overlook. Wow! it's a gorgeous view. I'd call it a moderate hike. We are seniors in our 60's, and felt like it gave us a little challenge. We packed our lunch and sat at the overlook eating on a beautiful fall afternoon. The only disappointment we had was the lack of wildlife. Even from the overlook, we could see no wildlife. But, that's the way it's been the entire trip. Where are all the animals? Wolves taking care of them?

Hiked trail mid sept’18. Easily accessible from west thumb parking area and across main park road. Offers nice view of Yellowstone lake from high point. Proceeded with caution due to bear warning signs and scat and was relieved to be joined by another hiking couple for what was a pleasant 90 min 2 mile hike through meadow and light forest with mild hills. Lots of room up top for a snack and pictures.

We saw no wildlife, other than a grouse, but it was nice with lots of ups and downs, after the initial relatively steep climb. Mostly shaded forest, other than the last mile out on the open hillside, with the view of Gardiner, WY. The reflection of the trees and hills in the largest pond was beautiful.

This is an easily accessible hike if you are staying in Mammoth Hot Springs. It is nearly a Loop, clockwise starting at the Hot Springs, ending behind the hotel, or vice versa. We went in a clockwise direction, skirting the lounging elk. There is a mix of terrain; mostly forested trail. The trail is well marked with orange metal tabs on trees. Some of the tabs will be marked with mileage markers. When going clockwise, there are 2 sign posts pointing you in the correct direction near the beginning of the hike. You will see numerous ponds, and a chance of wildlife includes, but is not limited to, deer, elk, badger, snakes. There is a plateau with a view of nearby Gardiner. The trail is easy enough for a family, as multiple ages were hiking the day we did this trail.

Really nice and relatively easy hike...some uphill climbing but mainly at the start of the trail. Then you’re rewarded with a really nice hike around the lake, with great scenery as a backdrop. Really nice little bridge over a small “waterfall” where the lake feeds a stream...very scenic. If you’re looking for a nice short hike, with more than just flat walking, I’d strongly recommend this hike!

We took the overlook trail up. The switchbacks were tough. It was not very well marked at the top. We, luckily, found our way back to the trail to the falls. Other than that the trail was well maintained. The views were incredible. The falls were spectacular. Overall a fantastic hike.

Sadly, although this hike was on my list of trails for this trip, I was unable to enjoy it due to a large herd of elk relaxing at the trailheads. Yes at each end. The ranger did say that I could try to edge my way through but to have my bear spray at the ready in case they charged. Seemed like a better idea to just enjoy the boardwalks, anf let sleeping elk lie.

This trail is mostly a rough-paved road that leads into the Natural Bridge area. Would be a good bike ride. There is no major elevatin gains, until the bridge itself. You can climb up to the base, and even up in behind. There is a little info post at the bottom of that section of trail with info about natural arches, and a little history on this natural bridge.

It was a nice walk, good stretch for my legs before my next hike. I spent some time with an incredibly fat marmot before heading back to my car.

Trail itself is really enjoyable but it’s badly marked out so initially we turned left towards the river instead of right as there were no markers. This resulted in us hiking over a ridge which was really strenuous. It add an unnecessary but challenging 45 minutes to the hike.

I would recommend starting this at the back of mammoth hotel and not close to mammoth hot springs as you would then start in the sun and end in the shade and it’s better marked out.

We hiked this trail yesterday and really enjoyed it. The first 3/4 of a mile is pretty steep but after that is quite easy. Lots of changing scenery from forest to open meadows to fields of sagebrush. Great picnic spot around 3 miles at the largest pond. We didn’t see much wildlife, a few ducks on the ponds and squirrels but enjoyed it nonetheless. Not too many other hikers which was also nice since most of the park was packed.

This was a nice hike. We're 60 years old and out of shape. It took us 3 1/2 hours. I would rate it as moderate.There were some nice views which would have been even better except for the smoky haze. We didn't see much wildlife, but I'm sure the ponds draw them in at dawn and dusk.

Trail was a bit confusing and poorly marked at first. Do not head uphill to the overlook if you are wanting to get to Fairy Falls, just keep walking. Once you're on the trailhead, it's marked very well. Fairy Falls was great and the chipmunks were overly friendly. We walked on to Imperial Geyser and back out. Trail gets a bit muddy in sections but for the most part it's flat and well maintained.

Park at Biscuit Basin. The trail starts in the back of the boardwalk around the thermal pools. For the best trip, go to the right where the trail splits after the boardwalk. Then take the loop all the way around. Very strenuous on the way up, but the overlook and falls are incredible!

Great hike! The views were amazing but the hike was tough! The path can be very rocky at times. Make sure you have sturdy shoes and plenty of water. Go to the overlook first and then down to the falls.